02 January - Isaac Asimov birth anniversary

 

Isaac Asimov was an American author, professor, and biochemist, best known for his prolific contributions to science fiction literature. He was born on 02 January 1920, in Petrovichi, Russia. He passed away on 06 April 1992, in New York City, USA.He wrote and edited hundreds of books, including novels, short stories, essays, and science books. Asimov's works cover a wide range of subjects, but he is perhaps most famous for his science fiction novels and stories that explore themes of robotics, artificial intelligence, and the future of humanity.

Some of his most notable works include the "Foundation" series, which presents a future galactic empire and the development of a new science called "psychohistory" to predict the future of large populations. Another significant series is the "Robot" series, featuring stories about positronic robots and their interactions with humans, including the famous "Three Laws of Robotics."

Apart from his fiction, Asimov also wrote popular science books aimed at a general audience, explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding earned him recognition as a science popularizer.

Isaac Asimov's impact on science fiction and popular science writing has left a lasting legacy, and his works continue to be widely read and influential in these genres.

 

02 January - Usmar Ismail death anniversary

 

 

Usmar Ismail (20 March 1921 – 2 January 1971) was an Indonesian film director, author, journalist and revolutionary of Minangkabau descent. He was widely regarded as the native Indonesian pioneer of the cinema of Indonesia.

He died on 2 January 1971 of a stroke in Jakarta.He is buried in TPU Karet Bivak in Jakarta.

Usmar Ismail became one of four individuals awarded by President Joko Widodo as a National Hero of Indonesia in Indonesia's Heroes Day of 2021.

02 January - ST. XAVIER'S COLLEGE, Mumbai established in 1869

 

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, is a renowned educational institution located in Maharashtra, India. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the country, known for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on all-round development of students.

The college was founded in 1869 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a Catholic religious order known for its contributions to education. St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, is affiliated with the University of Mumbai.

The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, management, mass media, and information technology. The college is known for its strong faculty, research initiatives, and modern facilities for students.

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, has a vibrant campus life with a rich tradition of cultural events, sports activities, and student clubs. It encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities and social service, promoting a sense of responsibility and active citizenship.

The college is also well-known for its commitment to social justice and community outreach. It runs several outreach programs and initiatives to address various social issues and work for the betterment of society.

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, has a strong alumni network, and many of its former students have excelled in various fields, including arts, politics, business, and entertainment.

 

02 January - Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the Governor of California in 1967

Ronald Reagan, the past movie actor and future President of the United States, was sworn in as the Governor of California on  02 January 1967. Reagan, a Republican, served two terms as the Governor of California from 1967 to 1975 before later becoming the 40th President of the United States in 1981, serving two terms from 1981 to 1989. His transition from the world of entertainment, where he had a successful career as a film actor and television host, to politics marked a significant chapter in American history.

02 January - India established its highest civilian awards, the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan

 

India established its highest civilian awards, the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, on January 2, 1954. These awards were instituted to recognize exceptional service in various fields and to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.

• Bharat Ratna: The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and public service. It can also be conferred posthumously. The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were politician C. Rajagopalachari, philosopher and statesman S. Radhakrishnan, and freedom fighter C. V. Raman, who was also a Nobel laureate in Physics.

• Padma Vibhushan: The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in various fields, including public service, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, and more.

These awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day (January 26) each year, but the formal presentation ceremony usually takes place later in the year. They are considered prestigious honors and are a symbol of the nation's recognition of outstanding contributions to society.

 

02 January - Georgia becomes a US state in 1788

 

Georgia, located in the southeastern region of the United States, was one of the original thirteen colonies and became the fourth state to join the Union on 02 January 1788. It is bordered by Florida to the south, Alabama to the west, Tennessee and North Carolina to the north, and South Carolina to the east. The state's capital and largest city is Atlanta. Georgia has a diverse geography, including mountains, coastal areas, and rolling hills, and it has played a significant role in American history and culture. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain.

02 January - Harekrishna Mahatab death anniversary

 

Harekrishna Mahatab (1899–1987) was an Indian politician and a prominent leader from the state of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa). He passed away on  02 January 1987

1. Early Life: Harekrishna Mahatab was born on 21 November 1899, in Agarpara village in Balasore district, Odisha.

2. Political Career: Mahatab was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and later joined politics. He played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into independent India.

3. Role in Odisha Politics: He was a key figure in Odisha politics and served as the Chief Minister of the state multiple times. His terms in office included periods from 1946 to 1950, 1956 to 1961, and 1961 to 1963.

4. Contribution to Cooperative Movement: Mahatab was known for his efforts in promoting the cooperative movement in Odisha, particularly in the areas of agriculture and rural development.

5. Member of Parliament: Apart from his role in state politics, Mahatab also served as a Member of Parliament. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) at different times.

6. Governor of Bombay (now Maharashtra): Harekrishna Mahatab also served as the Governor of Bombay from 1962 to 1964.

7. Contribution to Education: He was associated with educational institutions and played a role in the development of higher education in Odisha.

8. Post-Independence Contributions: After India gained independence in 1947, Mahatab continued to be an influential political figure, contributing to the development and governance of the newly formed nation.

Harekrishna Mahatab's contributions to politics and public service left a lasting impact on the state of Odisha and on the national stage in India.

 

02 January - FERGUSSON COLLEGE postage stamp issued

 

Fergusson College is a well-known educational institution located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the country, with a history dating back to the 19th century.

The college was founded in 1885 by social reformer Deccan Education Society (DES) with the aim of providing quality education to the youth of India. The society was founded by prominent leaders and visionaries, including Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, among others.

Initially, the college started with courses in arts and science, and it later expanded to include various other disciplines. Fergusson College has played a significant role in the spread of modern education and has been associated with various social and educational reforms in the region.

The college is affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and various other streams. It is known for its academic excellence, research activities, and contributions to various fields.

Fergusson College's campus is located in the heart of Pune and provides a conducive environment for learning and growth. The college has produced numerous eminent personalities, including scientists, politicians, artists, writers, and social activists, who have made significant contributions to society.

Apart from academic pursuits, Fergusson College encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and social service through various student clubs and organizations. It remains a preferred choice for many students seeking higher education in Maharashtra and continues to uphold its legacy of providing quality education and fostering a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking.

02 January - Mannathu Padmanabhan born in 1878

 

Mannathu Padmanabhan ( 02 January 1878 – 25 February 1970) was an Indian social reformer and freedom fighter from the south-western state of Kerala. He is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS), which represents the Nair community that constitutes 15.5% of the population of the state.Padmanabhan is considered as a visionary reformer who organised the Nair community under the NSS